Early in their seven-game journey, the Portland Trail Blazers are starting to show a penchant for the dramatic.
The Blazers were on the verge of losing to one of the poorest teams in the NBA for the second straight game before winning. The Washington Wizards won this one 129-121.
Despite leading 125-117 in the last minute, the Blazers were unable to seize control of the game. Marcus Smart’s three-pointer with 1:14 left just before put the Wizards behind 121-117.
However, Smart made the decision to dispute with an official that Shaedon Sharpe had deceived him about the play. After Smart was given a technical foul, Anfernee Simons made a free throw to give the Blazers a 122-117 lead. Jordan Poole’s pointless slam with 28 seconds remaining was the last field goal the Wizards could make.
Off the bench, Sharpe scored a career-high 36 points, 18 of which came in the first half, to lead the Blazers. He made 13 of 26 field goals, including one on a spectacular slam in the second quarter. In addition, Sharpe had five assists and eight rebounds.
At the Capital One Arena, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups told reporters that his offense was amazing. each of the three stages. The whole time, he was amazing.
Scoot Henderson came off the bench to go 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and score 16 points, while Simons finished with five assists.
Henderson and Sharpe led the Blazers’ bench in scoring 78 points.
On February 26, 2025, in Washington, DC, Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball to the hoop against Portland Trail Blazers #00 Scoot Henderson during the first half at Capital One Arena. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images photo)Getty Pictures
In the first quarter, the Blazers only made four of fourteen three-point attempts, but they scored eleven second-chance points to win the quarter 34-27. The Wizards capitalized on the Blazers’ continued poor shooting in the second quarter (1 of 8 on threes). At the half, Poole’s deep three at the buzzer cut the Blazers’ lead to 55-54.
The Blazers led 94-88 going into the fourth quarter thanks to three three-pointers from Henderson. However, it took them until the very last minute to get a run going to put the Wizards away.
Richaun Holmes and Corey Kispert both scored 20 points, while Poole led the Wizards with 24 points.
With 62 points in the paint (31 of 55 attempts), Portland outscored Washington by 42 points. The Wizards only managed 18 points off turnovers, compared to 27 for the Blazers.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Blazers (26-33) have defeated the Utah Jazz (14-43) 114-112 on Monday, their third straight victory. The Wizards (10-48) took one step closer to having the lowest NBA record at the end of the season.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Washington, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija takes a shot against Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by Jessica Rapfogel/AP) APAP
AVDIJA HURT
After being dealt to Rip City last summer, Deni Avdija returned to Washington for the first time to play for the Wizards.
However, he was only able to play six minutes in the first quarter due to a left quad injury. He scored five points and pulled down two rebounds, making the most of his opportunity.
“It is regrettable that he sustained injuries during the game,” Billups stated. Deni never gets harmed; he is a warrior. You can tell he’s in a lot of pain if he gets off the ground.
UPCOMING
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Blazers on Thursday from 21–27 at 4:30 p.m.
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